Can internet marketing be a long term business?

Here is the basic, honest, truth: most of the people get into Internet Marketing because they are convinced it is an easy way to earn quick money. Their approach is to make a fast website, put up some advertising and a few affiliate links and then sit back and watch while they earn real cash. There are a large amount of individuals who do this and also earn lots of money on the internet. But what if you want more than some extra or even quick cash (quick cash, naturally being a misnomer)? Can Internet Marketing really be leveraged to produce a worthwhile and long term career?

The quick and dirty answer is that yes, you are able to make Internet Marketing your long term and sustainable career. You only need to take on the project properly. The procedures and programs you use to build something to earn fast money are not all that different than the methods and systems you will use to build long term profits. So what would you do if you need to develop a sustainable career on the internet?

It is very important that the first thing you do, in order to earn long term money online, is accept the fact that you are going to have to do real work. You will have to do actual and real work on a daily basis and you will have days when you feel fantastic about what you do and days when you wish you could find something else to take on. This causes it to be just about like every other occupation that is out there. If you want to produce lasting cash flow by working lots right now and not at all later on then you are going to be in for a rude awakening in a little while. So be ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

There are a few ventures that lend themselves much better to a long term career than others will. Affiliate marketing, to use one example, is a great task for someone who wants to earn money on a part time basis or to supplement your already existent income. Is it truly possible to earn a full time income in this manner? You could if you pick out only the right products and then work like crazy to promote them. A far better approach, nevertheless, is to create your own products or websites and then promote those. This gives you full control over the projects you take on and how you accomplish them. And you will end up more likely to stick with it in the long run. If you want to give a service on the web this works much the same way. Writers, for example, need to create websites for themselves and create portfolios that they can point to as examples of their work.

Finally, perhaps the most significant thing that you need to recognize is that, when you want to build a long term and reliable income on the internet, you need to truly dedicate yourself to your task. You might have fun and feel rewarded by your efforts but first you should tell yourself "yes, I really want to do this." Making a half hearted effort is not about to get you anywhere.

by: Tanaka Ara

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/marketing/article_6729.shtml

Invest in family-healthy diets by growing half your plate

Healthy eating is defined in many different ways, but the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the former Food Pyramid with MyPlate - creating an easy visual for everyone to enjoy healthy and balanced meals.
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The MyPlate graphic shows a place setting. The dinner plate is divided in half. One half of the plate is composed of fruits and vegetables, and the other half grains and proteins. To see exactly how much that amounts to for each member of your family, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.andnbsp; If you're interested in changing your family's eating habits, how can you get them to fill up half of their plates with fruits and vegetables?
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This season, consider adapting your family's eating habits to mimic the MyPlate graphic. Although most on-the-go families don't eat that many fruits and vegetables, it's easy to do, especially if you plant a garden and buy from local farmers markets. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables it can help save time and money, but the benefits go much deeper. Growing fresh produce is a rewarding experience that provides your family with quick and healthy alternatives to snack foods. Even a finicky child will most likely eat a carrot that they grew themselves or snack on some salsa from their very own garden.
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Growing enough fruits and vegetables to fill half your family member's plate is easier than it sounds- here are some tips to accomplish this task:
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* Plan a garden. Map out a space in your backyard that will make a nice garden plot. Keep it in a sunny spot, away from trees and buildings. Consider installing a fence around the spot, especially if your backyard is frequented by bunnies or deer. If you don't have a backyard, check out your city's community garden plots to borrow or rent. Or consider creating a container garden on your deck, balcony or patio. It is easy to grow veggies in any space.
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* Make a list. Write down the vegetables and fruits you want to grow, keeping in mind what plants thrive in your zone, as well as the spacing you have available. If you don't have space for enough fruits and vegetables to last you the entire summer, consider participating in a co-op or making a visit to your local farmers market once a week to add in a variety of fruit and vegetable options.
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* Start planting. Give your plants all the nutrients they need to grow well, so you can experience a bountiful harvest. If planting in containers, the Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix works perfectly for smaller pots or more arid environments, the Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix provides an organic potting soil option and the Miracle-Gro Expand N Gro Concentrated Potting Mix is lightweight and expands with water, making it easier to move larger containers while planting.
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* Weeding, pruning and watering. Once planted, fruits and vegetables will likely need a little growing assistance in the form of pulling weeds, pruning back overgrown plants and of course, watering. For best results, water deeply each morning before the heat of the day has taken its toll. Container gardens tend to need to be watered more frequently because growing plants can quickly soak up water added to the container. With good maintenance, your plants should provide you with a large and delicious harvest.
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* Serve up those fruit and veggie dishes. When you're ready to harvest, start planning menus that will make good use of your garden's growth. Visit www.groyourown.com to find many delicious recipes that will use different fruits and veggies from your garden.

And don't forget about the USDA's MyPlate proportion recommendation. When serving, try and keep half of the plate full of what you harvested out of your own backyard to maintain healthy eating habits. If you find yourself with more fresh produce than your family can eat, consider donating to a local food pantry or sharing your harvest with friends and neighbors.

Courtesy of BPT

A woman's 'rare' journey: life with an uncommon disease

Everyone has a rare quality or a characteristic that sets him or her apart from others - a special talent, a unique interest or, for some, a rare disease. A disease is considered 'rare' if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. There are 7,000 known rare diseases affecting 30 million people, or one in 10, Americans. For comparison, one common disease, diabetes, affects more than 25 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People living with rare diseases are extraordinary in many ways, often demonstrating exemplary traits when faced with extraordinary challenges. Lacey Williams, a young adult who is currently attending college in Spokane, Wash., has overcome difficulties that other people her age will likely not face in their lifetime because of her rare disease, hereditary angioedema (HAE). andnbsp;

Williams' rare disease journey began at age 4 when she was diagnosed with HAE. HAE is a genetic disease that affects about 6,000 people in the United States. People with the disease can get repeated swelling attacks anywhere in the body, including their arms, legs, hands, feet, stomach, genitals, face or throat. HAE attacks can be unpredictable, painful, debilitating and disfiguring. This often makes everyday activities like walking, driving or even fastening a button difficult, or even impossible. Many patients with HAE also live in fear of a swelling attack in the tongue or throat, which could be fatal if the airway closes. andnbsp;

Growing up, Lacey, like many people living with a rare disease, found her condition embarrassing and alienating. She wanted to fit in and be "normal," so she hid her HAE from her friends and classmates. Williams feared that people would treat and look at her differently if she told them the truth about her disease. But during her senior year of high school, Williams' perspective on having a rare disease changed. She hesitantly revealed her condition to some close friends and family, finding them to be not only understanding, but remarkably supportive. Embracing their support, she realized she no longer needed to deny her rare disease. Instead, she saw the importance of using her story to help other people with rare diseases accept and embrace them as unique. andnbsp;

Williams was determined to not let HAE set her back. She maintained a positive outlook and stayed involved in school and sports, including basketball and lacrosse. "My swelling attacks affect me physically, but I don't let them stand in my way," says Williams. "I live my life and keep up with my priorities daily, even if I'm dealing with a swelling attack."

Williams feels lucky that there are now treatment options available for HAE; 95 percent of rare diseases do not have treatments available. Since opening up about her disease, Williams has given speeches at local schools about HAE, as well as discussed her condition in her college essay. Her story was even featured in a newspaper and on a TV news segment in her hometown. She hopes that this recognition will continue to raise awareness about rare diseases like HAE, encourage tolerance for people with differences that make them rare, and improve the road to diagnosis and treatment for those dealing with a rare condition.

"Hereditary angioedema has taught me to put up with hardships and continue on with my responsibilities. The most important thing that I've learned from this disease is not to let uncontrollable adversities overtake my ambitions," says Williams.

For those living with HAE, please visit www.HAEA.org. For those interested in rare diseases, the people living with them, as well as ways to embrace being "rare," please visit www.globalgenes.org.* To learn more about HAE, including how HAE impacts people living with the disease, visit www.HAEandMe.com, an online resource for people with HAE, their friends and family members that offer tips and advice for people of all ages. (*These links will take you to third party sites containing information that is reviewed or managed by the respective parties responsible for the content.)

Courtesy of BPT

How to improve your YouTube videos: Five tips from professional filmmakers

More than 4 billion videos are viewed each day on YouTube, according to statistics from the online video site. This means it's a great place for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work to a large, international audience. However, only 30 percent of all YouTube videos get 99 percent of the views on YouTube, according to media-monitoring authority Cision.

"While advances in digital cameras and technology make it easier for everyone to create their own videos, it's challenging for aspiring filmmakers to create videos that reach the right people and get noticed on crowded outlets like YouTube," says Gail Fisher, award-winning photo editor and department chair of the School of Film/Communication at Brooks Institute, a leading provider of higher education for film, visual journalism, graphic design and photography. "The good news is that there are simple things you can do to increase the quality of your videos and maximize exposure based on what works for professional filmmakers." andnbsp;
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Here are five tips from Fisher and Karen Farfan, a visual journalist and student at Brooks Institute, on how to make your YouTube videos stand out from the crowd:

* Find inspiration. Everyone has a story to tell. Take inspiration from your surroundings and people you know - go visit your favorite place, try something new, observe people in their everyday lives - and use what moves you to tell a story that will appeal to the masses. According to Farfan, the trick is telling a story in a way that will intrigue an audience - even those who don't relate well with your subject matter.

* Establish an audience and engage viewers. To build an audience, recruit friends and family to watch and share your videos, and post links to your videos on your blog, website and social networks. Use compelling keywords and cover images for your videos to attract people browsing for the content you've created. If users can find your video easily through common search terms and are captivated by your cover images, they're more likely to watch your videos and share them. Then hook your viewers within the first 30 seconds. Use beautiful imagery, an eye-opening quote or something unexpected, followed by a conflict that will encourage them to continue watching for a resolution.

* Less is more. Both with the length of your video and the text throughout, brevity will make your videos more engaging. Instead of using text or quotes to explain your story, let your videos communicate through visuals for a succinct message. To keep it simple, Farfan ensures that her stories can communicate a message well visually before even adding in text or audio during the editing process.

* Post often. Create content as often as possible without letting the quality of your work suffer. Keeping your YouTube site updated will encourage your followers to keep coming back for more and also attract new viewers. Farfan sets a goal of posting one new video per month to her site. Create your own goal, taking other work and personal commitments into account, and work to achieve it, whether it's daily, weekly or monthly.

* Have fun. If you're passionate about your work, it will show in your videos.

Courtesy of BPT

Five golden choices for investors

In the dark about how to invest in gold? Despite gold's increasing value and popularity, many folks don't know where to get started.

If that includes you, you're not alone. A recent survey shows that nearly half of US investors don't believe they're knowledgeable enough about the precious metal to make a decision about adding gold to their portfolios. The World Gold Council highlights these five options to get you started:andnbsp;

1. andnbsp;Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Since 2004, U.S. investors have been able to buy Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) backed by physical gold through their brokerage accounts on a regulated stock exchange, just like a share of a company's stock. Ownership of gold ETF shares provides investors with a vehicle that reflects the performance of the price of gold bullion, less expenses of the ETF. andnbsp;With these gold ETFs, individuals do not need to physically store gold, so no need for a safe or safety deposit box. Different types of gold ETFs are available on the market but not all are 100 percent backed by physical gold, so read the prospectus carefully and ask your financial adviser to help you select the one that best suits your needs.andnbsp;

2. Gold mining stocks

With this option, you are investing in a gold-mining company, rather than gold bullion. Depending on the company, you may be able to generate income from dividends. While the value of gold stocks has historically been closely tied to the price of gold itself, other factors can determine the value of the individual companies. More than 300 gold-mining companies are listed and publicly traded in the U.S.andnbsp;

3. Gold Accumulation Plans (GAPs)andnbsp;

Similar to a conventional accumulation plan, GAPs allow investors to set aside a fixed amount of money every month in order to purchase gold on various days. This cost averaging cushions investors from short-term variations in the price of gold. When the account closes, investors could have one or more of the following alternatives: receiving bullion bars or jewelry or simply selling the gold for cash.

4. Gold bars

Gold bars range in size from just a few grams to the 400 ounce London Good Delivery bars most people have only seen in the movies. There are many different refineries that produce gold bars and most companies that sell gold will offer a variety of sizes to suit various budgets. andnbsp;

5. Gold coins

Issued by governments around the world, gold bullion coins are a popular choice for investors. Their value is primarily based on their fine gold content. Bullion coins differ from numismatic or collectable coins, which are valued on rarity, design and finish rather than their gold content. Many mints will offer "proof" versions of the bullion coins at a premium to the gold content for collectors and those looking for an heirloom gift for milestone celebrations such as a birthday or wedding. American Eagle coins are a common form of bullion coin in the U.S. and other popular bullion coins that are widely available include the Gold American Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Kruggerrand and Chinese Panda and Austrian Philharmonic.

Where to buy: Both bullion coins and gold bars may be purchased online or by phone from companies that specialize in precious metals.

"There are a number of ways to invest in gold and each can play its own role in your portfolio. Owning an ETF, bars or coins and mining shares may be viewed as complementary investments," says Juan Carlos Artigas, Global Head of Investment Research at the World Gold Council.

The World Gold Council (www.gold.org) provides useful information on why, how and where to invest in gold.

The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Courtesy of BPT

How to write a professional real estate property description that sells

There are do's and don'ts when it comes to writing a professional property description that sells. An effective property description can determine whether or not you sell the property.

Headline:

To begin, your headline must jump out from the page and catch the attention of the buyer. Make the headline appealing with captivating and positive words.

Description:

Always begin your description with the selling points of the property. List the best features first to keep the attention of the buyer. Use adjectives to spice up the description. For example, instead of stating dining room, try spacious dining room for your family to gather and share a meal. Let the buyer know why they will want the selling points of the house.

It's important to sell the area to potential buyer as well. Are you selling to someone looking for a single family home or a multi-million dollar estate? Highlight points in the area that appeal to your buyer like schools, shopping, public transportation, etc.

Location:

Include the geographical area in your description. Many buyers are looking to buy in a specific area.

Price:

Including the price of the property is especially important for the sale by owners. Price inclusion is also a way to screen potential buyers.

Call to Action:

End your description with encouraging words for buyers to call you. Give them a reason for a call to action. "This beautiful property will go fast, call now for more details."

Wording:

Choose your words wisely and keep them positive. Certain words sound better and are more appealing to potential buyers. For instance try cozy instead of small.

Now that you know what should go into an effective property description, you need to know what shouldn't. Avoid the following:

* Spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes

* Uncommon abbreviations

* Clichés

* Jargon

* Passive voice

* Over the top vocabulary

Write in the present tense and make sure to include words like you and your in your description. This way potential buyers will feel as though you are speaking directly to them.

by: Rose Manning
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7348.shtml

Rising Interest Rates in the Louisville Market

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A lot of my clients have been asking me how the rising interest rates will affect the sale of their property. While historically interest rates are still low, they are increasing from the 3% we saw just a few months ago. Those low interest rates definitely stimulated the market, below inventory was at eight months, which means if no other homes came on the market, it would take eight months to sell every listing. Today it is now 4.5 months.

If you’re selling your home, even with 4% interest rates, you will still see a lot of activity in the housing market. On the other hand, if rates increase to 5% or higher, you will see things slow down.

Remember to work with the market. Price your home properly and respond to the feedback you are getting at showings. Work with the market, not against it.

In other news, I wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July! I have a list of links for holiday events going on around you!

4^th of July Activities in Your Market          

http://www.louisvilleky.gov/Mayor/News/2013/5-30-13+independence+festival+plans.htm 

Waterfront Independence Festival Returns July 3, 4

http://www.crescenthill.us/

2013 Crescent Hill Fourth of July Festival

http://www.belleoflouisville.org/calendar_event.html?id=7643

fireworks sightseeing cruise

Date: Thursday, July 4th, 2013

Times: 7:30pm-11:00pm

http://www.locustgrove.org/events.html

Wednesday, July 3, 1:00 pm

Afternoon Lecture Series

Rick Bell : Louisville's Waterfront

Thursday, July 4, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

FREE TO THE PUBLIC all day!

Celebrate our nation's Independence in the style of the early Republic. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds of Locust Grove.

http://www.louisville.com/louisville-events/kentucky-flea-market-fourth-july-spectacular-2013

Kentucky Flea Market Fourth of July Spectacular 2013

http://www.saltrivermusicfest.com/SCHEDULE.html

SALT RIVER MUSIC FEST in Buillett County

Music and

Looks like FUN!!!!!!